Apps.gov — cloud computing, effectiveness, cost savings for federal IT

We're hearing right now about a big improvement in the way the U.S. government manages data and gets stuff done. This really is big.

Vivek Kundra, federal CIO, is doing a great job for the country.

Check out the White House blog and apps.gov:

Apps.gov is an online storefront for federal agencies to quickly browse and purchase cloud-based IT services, for productivity, collaboration, and efficiency. Cloud computing is the next generation of IT in which data and applications will be housed centrally and accessible anywhere and anytime by a various devices (this is opposed to the current model where applications and most data is housed on individual devices). By consolidating available services, Apps.gov is a one-stop source for cloud services — an innovation that not only can change how IT operates, but also save taxpayer dollars in the process.

The federal government spends over $75 billion annually on information technology (IT). This technology supports every mission our government performs — from defending our borders to protecting the environment. IT is essential for the government to do its work, and it is essential that we have access to the latest and most innovative technologies.